Wolf Short Circuit or Ground Fault in Microwave

Microwave trips the household circuit breaker or GFCI outlet when starting a cook cycle.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Shorted high-voltage capacitor, Shorted magnetron, Damaged power cord, Moisture intrusion in internal wiring

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that trips immediately; this indicates a potentially dangerous fault.

User checks:

  • Unplug the microwave and inspect the power cord for cuts, burns, or crushed sections. Do not use the unit if the cord is damaged.
  • Try a different, properly rated non-GFCI outlet on a dedicated circuit if allowed by local code and Wolf installation guidelines.

If the breaker still trips when the microwave starts:

  • An internal component (often the high-voltage capacitor or magnetron) may be shorted.
  • Do not open the cabinet. Contact a Wolf technician to test for shorts and replace the defective component.
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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

High-Voltage Capacitor
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